13,063

I have been trying to climb the big peak for the last three weeks. The weather has not cooperated on my days off. Finally, the skies were clear and I was ready to go. The goal, climb Wheeler Peak, the tallest peak fully contained in the state of Nevada, at 13,063 feet. (Tallest peak in NV is Boundary Peak which is on the CA border.)
The mountain meadows and the wildflowers as I was going up were grand! Then, I hit the talus and it was rocky, really steep, and rather treacherous around the snow patches.

I'd had plans to do a different hike with a co-worker, Joseph, that morning, but because of a lack of proper vehicular transportation to the trail head (my Corolla would be very mad at me if I tried to take her over that road), it wasn't going to work out. About an hour up the Wheeler trail, here comes this hiker fast and furious. Turns out it was Joseph, who'd stopped at my house and my roommate told him where I'd gone.

I made it to the top in just under 2 1/2 hours and was pretty proud of myself. The view of the valleys to the east and west were spectacular and the twisty, windy ridge line of the Snake Range was beautiful to see.

Me and Joseph at the top.

Pondering the ridge line. Perhaps someday I'll backpack the whole thing.

Looking down at Stella, Teresa, and Brown lakes from above. You can also see the road that runs up to the campground and the trail head. Mount Moriah is in the distance/top of the picture.

I was surprised to realized this was only the second peak I've summited. I know, however, it will not be the last!